Getting a Ski Area Job

For many ski bums, where they work is as important as what they do. Ski areas such as Aspen and Vail tend to have name recognition, excellent skiing conditions, and provide the opportunity to rub elbows with the rich and famous.

Ah, but there’s a challenge: they also draw large numbers of applicants and have a high cost of living.

It’s important to keep in mind that the more famous the area, the more expensive and difficult to find a job and a place to live.

Be sure to consider factors like cost-of-living and remoteness as well as reputation and terrain when deciding where to look for work.

Global Opportunities

Just because spring melt comes to North America doesn’t mean you must stash your skis in the garage for the next nine months. Summer in North America means winter in New Zealand, Australia, and South America. Ski bums who can’t bear the thought of putting away their skis for the summer have been known to pack their bags and head for the slopes in these countries. Of course, opportunities exist outside North America during the winter as well. Ski resorts around the world must keep their mountains running smoothly, and sometimes the supply of workers doesn’t meet the demand in the countries of Europe and in Japan.

Often Americans or Canadians who get jobs in other countries are sponsored by North American ski companies. In order to get a work permit in many countries, foreign workers sometimes must prove that they have skills not available in the local work force.

One American who worked as a ski instructor in Australia said sponsorship by a U.S. company “eased the paperwork” when it came to applying for a work permit.

Sometimes the demand for less skilled workers – especially for area support jobs – outweighs the supply, and foreign workers have no trouble getting work, as in the case of one American who found a job at a ski lodge in Kitzbühel, Austria.

“There were more Americans and Australians wandering the streets looking for jobs than there were Austrians. Getting a work permit wasn’t an issue because so many workers were needed.”

Those interested in working at foreign ski resorts should contact the consulate for that country to inquire about work permit requirements. Some countries also have ski area associations similar to what exists in North America. You might try contacting the following: